Dolores Betzold Obituary

Dolores J. Betzold, 94, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center in West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 10-11am, Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11am.

Dolores was born October 3, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Alfred and Violet (Cederholm) Plaatje. She was married to Edward Betzold in Chicago.

Dolores spent her early years raising her family of 11 children and working as a legal secretary. There were many moves, many homes and many adventures but her favorite was the time she spent in Colorado. Her later years were spent in Arizona, working for and retiring from the Department of Agriculture. After retirement, she moved to Iowa and worked as the Assistant Manager/Secretary for Parkway Apartments.

Dolores loved socializing, organizing events for her community and spending time with her family. She was a past president of the 50 Plus Club and a member of Knit Wits at Waukee Christian Church. She helped organize lunches for seniors, cooking alongside her good friend, Bonnie, that were sponsored by their local police department. Most recently, she enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Alice Place in Waukee and weekly games of Tripoly and Pinochle with close friends Joyce, Marcella, Phyllis and her daughters.

To know Dolores was to love Dolores. Her generosity, her hardworking nature and optimistic outlook knew no boundaries. Her mind stayed sharp as a tack until the very end. She never missed sending a card for every occasion to everyone in her friends and family circle.

Dolores is survived by her children, William Betzold of Indianola, IA, Barry (Julie) Betzold of Scottsdale, AZ, Susan (Greg) Wright of Indianola, IA, Ginger (Randy) Gale of Urbandale, IA, Edie (Jim) Davis of Urbandale, IA, Edward Betzold of Urbandale, IA, Patrick (Debbie) Betzold of Bull Shoals, AR, Kathy (Russ) Fortune of Grimes, IA; 33 grandchildren; 67 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; as well as four nieces and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Betzold; her children, Robert Betzold, Christopher Betzold and Irene Betzold; her sister, Audrey and her parents, Alfred and Violet Plaatje.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50313; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Immanuel Pathways, 7700 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, IA 50324.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Dolores Betzold, please visit our Tribute Store.